]]> Battery life has become a very important concern with our increasingly digital lifestyles and the world’s first “smart bag” addresses that very need. It’s called Phorce, and it’s a bag with an integrated 54Whr battery pack that you can use to top up your various mobile devices.

That’s enough juice to provide your 15-inch MacBook Pro with an added 4 hours of operation or enough to charge your iPhone eight times over. That’s much larger than most of the portable battery packs that you see in the market, so it helps that it’s integrated into a comfortable bag. But that’s not the only thing that supposed to make Phorce so “smart.”

It also has a smartphone application. You connect to the Phorce via Bluetooth and then you can use the app to check on its remaining battery life. If your phone gets too far away from the Phorce, the app will notify you of that too. The bag itself looks mostly like a messenger bag, but they say that it can convert to a backpack or briefcase too. It’s made with a water-resistant outer shell and tech-friendly inner lining.

The people at Phorce have set a goal of $150,000 on the Kickstarter page with a deadline of December 22. Pledge a minimum of $199 for the early bird special to get the Phorce for USB in the color of your choice ($349 retail). When the early bird runs out, you can get the same deal for a minimum $219 pledge.

]]>http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/11/22/video-phorce-smart-bag-charges-your-gadgets-on-the-go/feed/0Pelican ProGear Protects Your Gear From Everythinghttp://www.mobilemag.com/2012/07/14/pelican-progear-protects-your-gear-from-everything/ http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/07/14/pelican-progear-protects-your-gear-from-everything/#commentsSat, 14 Jul 2012 14:45:29 +0000http://www.mobilemag.com/?p=135190But did you know that Pelican also has a Pelican ProGear line that includes protective backpacks and hardback cases for regular folk too?

]]> People in photography and production are probably already familiar with some of the Pelican cases that are out there. These boxes are great for protecting your expensive gear, keeping them safe from water, shock, sand and more. But did you know that Pelican also has a Pelican ProGear line that includes protective backpacks and hardback cases for regular folk too? Yes, they have smaller cases that are designed for the Apple iPad and notebooks, providing a watertight gasket, automatic purge valve, and cushioned inserts. These are definitely bulkier than your thin sleeves, but they definitely provide a lot more protection. Perhaps the more interesting line of Pelican ProGear products is their assortment of rugged backpacks. Again, these are designed to be super tough; some of them have an impact frame for full 360-degree protection from drops and tumbles. As can be expected from Pelican, some of these also contain a built-in case that is both watertight and crushproof. The ProGear U140, for instance, is even IP67 tested for staying under 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Pricing varies considerably, but the backpacks start in the low $100 range and go up from there.

]]>http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/07/14/pelican-progear-protects-your-gear-from-everything/feed/0Arkiv Field Modular Backpack Ready for Any Mission (Video)http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/05/25/arkiv-field-modular-backpack-ready-for-any-mission-video/ http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/05/25/arkiv-field-modular-backpack-ready-for-any-mission-video/#commentsFri, 25 May 2012 15:07:08 +0000http://www.mobilemag.com/?p=133748Instead of having multiple bags for multiple purposes, you might want to look into Mission Workshop's Arkiv Field modular backpack. You can add and remove components as needed.

]]> Why would your backpack have a pouch for a camera if you’re not bringing your camera? And then what happens when you regret buying the camera pouch-less backpack when you are going to bring a camera? Instead of having multiple bags for multiple purposes, you might want to look into Mission Workshop’s Arkiv Field modular backpack. You can add and remove components as needed.

I’ve seen some other modular backpacks before, so this isn’t a completely novel idea. Even so, Mission Workshop seems to ahve executed the solution quite well. You start with either the 16L or 36L main pack and then you buy the extra add-ons and pouches that you need. When you actually hit the road, you can consider which pouches you’re going to attach and which you’re going to leave at home. There are pouches and pockets of all shapes and sizes, including sleeves specialized for holding laptops. The add-ons attach via steel hardware and everything is reasonably weatherproof.

While I’m personally not a fan of the fashion statement this bag makes, your preferences may vary. Where you will get hit is your wallet: The core bag starts at over $200 and then the extra pouches and such average about $60 each. Get this sleeve and that add-on and you’re easily into quite the expensive backpack. It does help that it’s made in the USA though.

]]>http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/05/25/arkiv-field-modular-backpack-ready-for-any-mission-video/feed/0Make The Bag You Want With Carmazzi 1bag Modular Laptop Bag Systemhttp://www.mobilemag.com/2011/04/06/make-the-bag-you-want-with-carmazzi-1bag-modular-laptop-bag-system/ http://www.mobilemag.com/2011/04/06/make-the-bag-you-want-with-carmazzi-1bag-modular-laptop-bag-system/#commentsWed, 06 Apr 2011 19:02:34 +0000http://www.mobilemag.com/?p=116336When you travel, you'll want to have a good laptop bag. The problem is that so many bags are either missing features that you need or they have features that you don't need. The 1bag system from Carmazzi is supposed to address that.

When you travel, you’ll want to have a good laptop bag. The problem is that so many bags are either missing features that you need or they have features that you don’t need. The 1bag system from Carmazzi is supposed to address that.

It’s modular. What this means is that none of the pockets are actually attached to the panels themselves and the bag can be expanded with additional compartments and sections on the fly. There is no set configuration; you buy what you need and build the bag you want, reconfiguring it as needed.

Naturally, there are a bunch of accessories (which they like to refer to as apps, even though they’re not apps at all) that you can buy too, attaching them to the bag when you want to do so. Get an extra power brick, solar panel, fashion flap, or whatever else.

I’m not completely convinced how well all those modular-ness will hold up against the bumps and bumbles of everyday life, but it seems like an interesting idea and we’ll have to wait and see when we get our hands on one. The core system starts at $89.95, then you tack on the accessories that you need for however much extra cash.

]]>http://www.mobilemag.com/2011/04/06/make-the-bag-you-want-with-carmazzi-1bag-modular-laptop-bag-system/feed/8REVIEW – Mobile Edge ScanFast Messenger Laptop Baghttp://www.mobilemag.com/2009/09/03/review-mobile-edge-scanfast-messenger-laptop-bag/ http://www.mobilemag.com/2009/09/03/review-mobile-edge-scanfast-messenger-laptop-bag/#commentsFri, 04 Sep 2009 01:23:57 +0000http://www.mobilemag.com/?p=66063Among the many other frustrations that you may face while traveling, lugging out your laptop to get through airport security can take up too much time and it can expose your notebook to potential damage. That’s why the TSA regulations allow for “checkpoint-friendly” bags where the laptop can stay put and one such example is […]

Among the many other frustrations that you may face while traveling, lugging out your laptop to get through airport security can take up too much time and it can expose your notebook to potential damage. That’s why the TSA regulations allow for “checkpoint-friendly” bags where the laptop can stay put and one such example is the ScanFast Laptop Messenger Bag from Mobile Edge. The messenger bag style is trendy enough for college students, but the jet black appearance is also professional enough for traveling corporate executives.

Scans Fast and Stays Tough

You might remember my review of the Mobile Edge Ultraportable Backpack for Netbooks last week and how I commented on its lack of a checkpoint-friendly design. The ScanFast Messenger is a little bit bigger, but it’s still reasonably compact and it does that whole checkpoint-friendly thing without a hitch.

Holding laptops with up to 15.4-inch widescreen displays, the Mobile Edge ScanFast Messenger Bag uses the same durable ballistic nylon as all of the other bags in the Mobile Edge collection. This is super tough and should be able to withstand the usual wear and tear that you’d get from flying, bandying around town, and hopping from appointment to appointment.

Three Pockets to the Front

In terms of design, one of the more unique features on this bag is the set of three vertical pockets in the front. As you can see, this is decidedly different from what I experience with the V7 Premium Toploader Laptop Case, which had a much “cleaner” appearance from the front.

At first, I thought the aesthetic was quite strange for this bag, but after using it for a couple of weeks, I found the trio of pockets to be very versatile and remarkably useful. This gives quick access to peripherals and accessories without having to dive through a main compartment and look through some inner pockets. Your mileage may vary, but one of these pockets could be a good place for a laptop power supply too. That’s a big bonus in my books.

Speaking of Interior Compartments

Opening the front flap on this bag reveals two main compartments. There is one area that is single slot-like space that would be fine for documents and files. The other main compartment, depicted above, is further broken down into a series of pockets that can be used to store whatever else you’d need. You’ll also notice the mesh pocket on the other side, providing even more storage.

Some people prefer a simpler design, since it can be easier to find what you need, but I prefer having a lot of separate compartments to store all the different things I need when I travel. Mobile Edge really delivers on this front and these pockets are great for flash drives, business cards, spare memory cards, and even digital cameras and batteries. I love it.

Flipping Open for Airport Security

While some other checkpoint-friendly bags put your laptop in a wholly separate compartment, Mobile Edge takes a different approach. Inside the largest compartment is an oversized pocket for your laptop and this is clearly marked as being checkpoint friendly. Your laptop isn’t completely enclosed, but this means that you skip an extra zipper.

The ScanFast Messenger will take up to 15.4-inch laptops and you can see my 14.1-inch Dell Inspiron in there with room to spare. The padding is adequate for basic protection and the zippers allow for a quick open-and-close for airport security scans.

This compartment is usually dedicated to just the laptop, but you’ll notice that the other side has an interior zipper. That’s right. You’ve got another compartment for files, folders, documents, or whatever else you’d like to slot in there. This is a good place for your airline tickets and that kind of thing.

A Solid Option for Frequent Flyers

Of the checkpoint-friendly laptop bags that I have tried, I think that the Mobile Edge ScanFast Messenger Bag is easily one of my favorites. The somewhat smaller size compared to bulkier corporate bags makes it more comfortable to use, as does the elastic padded shoulder strap. All of those compartments really come in handy for accessories and I really appreciate the extra inner pocket in the laptop compartment.

The ScanFast Messenger Bag is listed at $99.99. This is more expensive than budget bags, but it’s in line with other checkpoint-friendly laptop messenger bags.

]]>http://www.mobilemag.com/2009/09/03/review-mobile-edge-scanfast-messenger-laptop-bag/feed/5REVIEW – V7 Premium Toploader Laptop Case by Targushttp://www.mobilemag.com/2009/08/14/review-v7-premium-toploader-laptop-case-by-targus/ http://www.mobilemag.com/2009/08/14/review-v7-premium-toploader-laptop-case-by-targus/#commentsFri, 14 Aug 2009 20:55:45 +0000http://www.mobilemag.com/?p=65669Ever since the TSA introduced those new regulations for passing notebooks through airport security checkpoints, I’ve been intrigued with the possibility of going through the scanner without having to remove my laptop from my bag. That saves time and minimizes any possible scratches that may occur during the process. Now that these regulations have been […]

Ever since the TSA introduced those new regulations for passing notebooks through airport security checkpoints, I’ve been intrigued with the possibility of going through the scanner without having to remove my laptop from my bag. That saves time and minimizes any possible scratches that may occur during the process.

Now that these regulations have been out for a while, several accessory makers have jumped on the trend to provide checkpoint-friendly bags. We’ve seen backpacks, attaches, messenger bags, and all sorts of other solutions that will have you zipping through security in no time. One of the latest names to join the trend is Ingram Micro, which has solicited the help of Targus to create its V7 line of laptop bags.

Today, we take a look at the Premium Toploader Laptop Case, also known by its less than memorable PTL1-2G model name. Let’s just call it the Premium Toploader, shall we?

Made and Designed by Targus

Even though this laptop bag carries V7 branding throughout, they have also made it very clear that Targus is the real company behind its creation. In this way, you know that you are getting a trusted name in the notebook accessory market, along with all the trust and reliability that comes with that name.

The V7 Premium Toploader Case is comprised of two main compartments, along with some extra pockets for extra accessories and peripherals. In terms of design cues, you get something that is conservative enough to pass through the corporate world, but there are enough subtle elements to give it a dash of personality and style too. For that, Targus (and V7) get my kudos.

The laptop compartment doesn’t come with extra padding like how you would find in some more expensive laptop bags, but the outer cushioning should be enough to protect your notebook against incidental damage. There’s also a Velcro strap on top to hold it in place. There’s enough room here to accommodate up to a 15.6-inch widescreen.

Files, Peripherals, and Other Stuff

The other main compartment on the V7 Premium Toploader is clearly designed with the business or enterprise market. You’ll see that it functions much like an accordion-style filing system, providing places to fit your files and folders with ease. For the non-corporate type, this can be a great place to stash your travel documents and that kind of thing too.

Along with the top slots for file folders and the like, you’ll also see two heavily padded pockets on the inside of this compartment. These padded pockets are very much like what I found on a more expensive Targus-branded laptop bag, protecting things like digital cameras and other delicate items. This is a simple yet very useful feature.

Zipping Through Airport Security

Easily the most notable feature for this laptop bag is that it has been designated as Checkpoint Friendly. This means that you can zip through airport security checkpoints without having to remove your notebook.

All you do is unzip the center portion, laying the bag out flat into its two main compartments. This way, the notebook can pass through the X-ray scanner unobstructed by other objects. In compliance with the TSA regulations, your laptop stays safe and you can be on your way as quickly as possible.

I haven’t had the opportunity to use this specific bag for this purpose yet, but I used a similar one and the people at LAX knew exactly what was going on. It couldn’t be any faster. I should note, however, that these kinds of regulations do not (yet) apply in Canada. Shame.

Tying Up the Loose Ends

Made with durable 420 denier nylon and 1680 denier polyester accents, the V7 Premium Toploader Laptop Case is a good option for people who travel frequently and want a fashionable, yet functional laptop bag. The two added pockets in the front are great for smaller items, like memory cards and pens, whereas the other compartments are good for file folders, travel documents, and so on. Nice stuff. You don’t have to worry about organization.

This laptop bag will not be big enough to serve as an overnight bag, so you’ll need to stash your clothes and other stuff in another bag. It is suitable, however, to handle everything that comes along with your laptop, including the power supply, mouse, webcam, and so forth.

The padded shoulder strap also comes with a slight twist, making it much more comfortable to hold the bag in a cross-shoulder fashion. It’s quite comfortable. The materials aren’t quite as good as $100+ bags, but you are saving a fair bit without sacrificing utility.

Overall, I give the V7 (by Targus) Premium Toploader Laptop Case an 8.0 out of 10. It’s listed at $69.95. There are also cheaper variants within the same line if you want to save a few bucks.